Stroke of Midnight Read online

  I flip him the bird, darting my gaze over to Perry. He’s dancing with Ash, but nothing too crazy. Nate’s just trying to rile me up.

  “My brother is enamored with her. So are you. She’s pretty, I get it.”

  “Enamored? Your brother looks like he’s planning his wedding proposal. I, on the other hand, wouldn’t mind taking her for a ride on my dick. We both know your old ass can’t satisfy a young thing like her.”

  Though he’s joking, I don’t miss the edge in his voice. He really does want to fuck Ash. I’d cut his dick off if he tried. As long as I pay Ash’s bills, no one is fucking her. No one.

  “Oh look,” Nate says. “She’s dancing with another chick. Maybe she’s into women.”

  I narrow my eyes, annoyed at the fact Perry is dancing with two girls who aren’t Ash. She’s smiling and not falling on her ass, so I leave it be for the time being.

  “You trying to taunt me won’t work,” I say, meeting his stare. “May as well cut the shit now.”

  He concedes and launches into another project he’s working on. I’m only half listening. My mind is on other things. Like the panties in my pocket.

  “Holy shit,” Nate barks out. “She’s dancing with a Morelli.”

  “Nice try.”

  “Man, look.” He points toward the dance floor.

  Leo fucking Morelli and his entourage are crowded around my girl, keeping Perry away from her while Leo grinds on her ass from behind.

  Hell to the motherfucking no.

  I fly out of the booth, unable to control the rage blazing through me like an inferno. Nate calls after me, but I’m a man on a mission. I shove between two of Morelli’s guys, stalking right up to Ash.

  “Time to go, Miss Elliott,” I bark out. “Now.”

  Her smile falls, and her eyes grow wide. She must sense the tension rolling between Leo and me, because she starts to pull away. His fingers bite into her waist as he challenges me with a dark glare.

  “Interesting seeing a Constantine slumming it around here,” Leo says, his face twisted into a sneer. “Just wait until I tell my brother. Lucian quite enjoys learning of chinks in the Constantine golden armor.”

  “Let go of my assistant,” I grit out in my calmest tone. “She has work to do.”

  “Is that what you’re calling your girlfriend?” He shakes his head, nuzzling her hair with his nose. “I’m not an idiot, Constantine. I’ve watched you with her all night. She’s important to you, which means she’s important to the Morellis.”

  Grabbing Ash’s hand, I drag her from his grip and into my arms. The move sends her stumbling. I don’t take satisfaction in her embarrassment. I’m more worried about her life at this point. We’ve royally fucked up. This was a mistake.

  “Miss Elliott is an asset to my company,” I snarl. “And you know we don’t take kindly to our assets being threatened. It’s best you find something else to fixate on, Morelli.”

  His grin is vicious. “Too late. I’m all kinds of fixated on your new whore.”

  “Let’s go,” Ash murmurs, clinging to my chest. “Please.”

  Leo Morelli won’t hesitate to spread terrible rumors about Ash that would make her life a living hell. That’s the shallow end of the spectrum. He’s capable of far, far worse than errant words. And the deeper it cuts Ash, the more he’ll enjoy it. He knows the Constantine family is off limits. If he did that to one of my sisters, we’d retaliate so hard he’d see stars. But how can I protect Ash when we’re only temporary? I want to fuck her, not ruin her life. If that means I need to set aside some of my pride, so be it.

  Sliding a possessive hand to palm her ass, I meet Leo’s stare with a hard one of my own. “Perhaps we can agree on a sum to make you un-fixate.”

  His dark eyes narrow. “That will take some thought and consideration. I’ll need to evaluate the worth of such a deal. Until then, you have my word my lips are sealed until we come to agreement.” He steps closer, cocking his head to the side. “Should I contact your lovely assistant to arrange the meeting later?”

  “You may call my secretary Deborah and set it up,” I growl. “Don’t fuck with me, Morelli. It won’t end well.”

  “Don’t worry,” Leo says with a wolfish grin. “I don’t want to steal your girl. I like ‘em older. How’s your mother anyway?”

  Perry decides to show up. Fucking momma’s boy.

  “What’s it to you, asshole?” Perry demands, bowing up like he could actually kick Leo Morelli’s ass. Unbelievable.

  Luckily, Leo is amused. If it were Lucian, I’d be picking pieces of Perry’s skull out of my hair.

  “My father says hi is all,” Leo states with a laugh. “Caroline must be so lonely these days since your father is gone.” He scratches his chin as if he’s trying to remember something. “How did he die again?”

  Nate, who approached at some point, grabs Perry before he tries to tackle Leo. Morelli and his gang of thugs turn, ending our conversation and dispersing like the fucking shadows they are.

  “Time to go home.” I give Ash’s ass a pat. “I’m tired.”

  She tilts her head up to meet my stare. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  As frustrating as it is that I’m going to have to pay Leo an ungodly amount of money to keep him off Ash because she doesn’t know the politics of this town, I don’t take it out on her. Her naivety of our family name, and consequently the Morellis, is one of the things that has me so enamored with her.

  “I know,” I grumble. “Don’t worry about Leo Morelli.” I smirk at her. “You have bigger worries like how to exit this club without falling and showing everyone your naked pussy.”

  Her worry transforms into irritation. “I hate you, Win.”

  “Trust me, that’s better than love, Cinderelliott.”

  Loving a Constantine will get you killed.

  12

  Ash

  I screwed up tonight, and it’s all Winston’s fault. I’d been so mad at him for being a dick at the table, but I actually enjoyed dancing. Perry is nice and funny. He’s the exact opposite of Winston. Not that I’d ever date someone like Perry. I prefer the fucked-up ones, it would seem. Because when Winston helped take my panties off, I wanted to beg him to touch me. I’d been so turned on that we were putting on a show that I nearly let him have his way with me.

  A freebie.

  Everything went to hell, though, the minute the hot Italian-looking guy started dancing with me. He gave off the same superior vibes as Winston. In a way, dancing with him felt like being with Winston. The alcohol had me flushing when I’d felt Leo’s dick hard and rubbing into me from behind. At first, when I saw Winston flying at us with murderous rage in his gaze, I thought it was intended for me. But the second he addressed Leo, I realized I was caught in the middle of a war I knew nothing about, only that I had unknowingly danced my way to the other side.

  Money.

  It’s the weapon Winston wields.

  Sharp and powerful.

  I’d watched him sling it through the air, saving me from an unknown monster. The promise was in his hard stare. A shit ton of money was going to be tossed at Leo Morelli. Because of me. I’m smart enough to realize now that Leo sees me as something Winston cares about. Something Leo could use against him. And Winston was ready to negotiate a big-ass deal to protect me.

  It’s so fucked up, but I’m grateful.

  Winston may be a total dick most days, but he showed no weakness when it counted.

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to come home with you?” I murmur, hating how needy I sound.

  He pulls up in front of our brownstone and puts his vehicle in park before glancing my way. “Positive.”

  Ouch.

  His words sting, but I can tell he’s stressed out. I feel guilty for bringing this new headache into his world.

  “Okay,” I choke out. “I’ll see you in the morning. Shrimp has food and water in his cage. If you cover it with the blanket when you go to bed, he’ll be quiet.”
r />   “Good night, Ash.”

  Tears burn at my eyes, which pisses me off. I grab my phone out of the cupholder and fling open the door. I’ve barely managed to make it to the front door before my phone buzzes, money being sent.

  Normally, seeing my account grow is gratifying.

  Tonight, it just makes me sick to my stomach.

  I stare after his taillights, hurt and frustrated. I’m not equipped to handle a man like Winston Constantine. He’s too much . . . everything. I’m way out of my depth.

  “Not a boyfriend, huh?”

  Scout emerges from the shadows, an unreadable expression on his face. He’s dressed all in black. I don’t know what he’s been up to or what he plans on doing, I just know I don’t want any part of it. Twisting the knob, I let out an exasperated huff that it’s locked. He shoves his hand into his pocket and prowls up the steps. I tense up when he crowds me from behind.

  “You never dressed up like this for Tate,” he murmurs, his tone menacing. “And I’m supposed to believe the guy who dropped you off in a fucking Lamborghini isn’t tapping this.” He squeezes my ass.

  I try to push him away, but he’s taller and stronger, easily pinning my front to the door. My heart races inside my chest as I worry what he’ll do, but then he unlocks the door. Slipping out of his hold, I rush toward the stairs. The stupid shoes slow me down. I make it up three steps before he’s on me. When I open my mouth to scream, he covers it with one hand and wraps an arm around me to pick me up. My shoes fall off as I kick out, not making purchase with anything as he easily carries me upstairs.

  I manage to hit him in the head with my phone, causing him to grunt in pain and release me. My heart is in my throat as I run to my room. The door barely closes before he’s shoving his way inside. I throw my phone at him which he easily swats away.

  “Stay away from me!” I shriek. “I’ll call for Dad.”

  “He can’t hear you downstairs,” he sneers. “Looks like it’s just you and me, sis.”

  I try to dart past him toward the bathroom, but he’s faster, shoving his way in with me.

  “Please don’t,” I beg, tears streaming down my cheeks. “Please, Scout. Please don’t hurt me.”

  “Take your dress off.”

  “No!”

  He reaches into his pocket, withdrawing a pocketknife. Flipping it open, he tests the blade on his thumb, drawing blood.

  “All I want is for you to wash his scent off, Ash. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

  “He’s not my boyfriend,” I sob. “I swear.”

  “Take your fucking dress off or I’ll cut it the fuck off.”

  I inch back, trembling. “O-Okay. I’m doing it.”

  He reaches inside the shower and turns the water on, his sharp glare never leaving me. I shakily unzip the dress. Before it falls away, I hold it to me, pleading with my eyes. All it takes is a gesture with his knife to have me dropping it to the floor. His jaw clenches when he finds me without panties.

  “I fucking knew it. I told Sully and Sparrow, and they didn’t believe me.”

  “I didn’t sleep with him,” I choke out. “The dress would show panty lines. Believe me, Scout. Please.”

  He studies me for a beat. “Take your bra off.”

  Quickly, I yank it off, standing completely nude for him.

  “Get in and wash that whore makeup off your face.” He points at the shower. “That’s what you are, Ash. Some rich man’s whore. They don’t fuck pretty girls for love. No, they do it because it’s fun and interesting. May as well face the fact that you can’t get anywhere in this world.”

  I have no words. All I can do is hug my middle and cry. He makes another terrifying gesture with his knife, sending me scurrying under the spray. I hurry to wash my face and hair, hoping he’ll leave. His stare never leaves my body.

  He opens the door and steps in fully-clothed. I whimper, trying to run from him, but his knife presses into my throat. I know Scout. He’ll use it in a heartbeat. He’s psychotic. I freeze, trembling when he cups my breast. His dick is hard, pressed against my backside.

  “Please don’t,” I beg.

  His hand drifts down to cup my pussy. “Tell me who you belong to, and I’ll think about it.”

  “You,” I blurt out without hesitation. “I belong to you.”

  “Wrong answer.”

  I cry out when he rubs at my clit in a rough way. I’m terrified, but my body doesn’t get the memo. Every nerve ending responds to his touch. It makes me cry harder.

  “You belong to the Mannford triplets. All three of us. Ours to fuck with. Ours to destroy.”

  I nod because I don’t know what else he wants. I’m afraid he’ll cut my throat. Thankfully, he pulls the knife away, flipping it closed and pocketing it again. He grips my breast with one hand while he rubs at my clit with the other. I’m disgusted when stars glitter around me. A moan escapes my throat, coating me in shame.

  “See,” Scout says, slowly sliding his finger from my clit to gently press inside me. “That wasn’t so hard. Got you nice and wet too.” He bites my shoulder hard enough I shriek out in pain. “Don’t worry, sis. When I fuck you, my brothers will be there to take their turn. A big dick for every one of your holes.”

  He pulls his finger out and smacks my ass. I shudder, curling my arms around my waist. Soaking wet, he steps out of the shower, splashing water everywhere.

  “Get dressed and go to bed,” he orders. “If I catch you whoring it out again, I’ll be forced to remind you who you belong to.”

  As soon as he’s gone, I slide to the shower floor, giving in to full-bodied sobs. I hug myself, crying, until the water goes cold and my teeth chatter. By the time I turn the shower off and towel off, he’s gone. I pull on my warmest pajamas, find my phone on the floor, and then crawl into bed. Once under the covers, I check to see if I’ve missed any texts.

  Nothing.

  I send Winston a text.

  Me: I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.

  He responds immediately.

  Winston: You don’t have a choice. See you at eight AM sharp.

  Me: I can’t, Win. I have to quit.

  Winston: The Morellis are evil as fuck, Ash. I’m sorry if I was being an asshole tonight, but I’m pissed and have to figure out a way to get them off my back. Don’t quit, please.

  Me: It’s not that.

  Winston: Then why?

  Me: I have to.

  Several minutes go by with no response. I yawn and am nearly asleep when he texts back.

  Winston: The car will be by to pick you up in the morning. You’re to get in with no complaint. We’ll talk about what’s bothering you. In person. You’re not quitting over text.

  I still have to get my bird.

  Me: Okay.

  Winston: Good girl.

  His text has me bursting into tears once more.

  I walk into Winston’s living room, exhausted and overwhelmed. My emotions are all over the place. Disgust makes me sick to my stomach. I had to sit through breakfast with Sparrow and Manda like Scout didn’t just violate me the night before. As soon as I saw the black Mercedes pull up to pick me up, I flew out of the house, not bothering to say goodbye.

  I’m wearing clothes too warm for the day, but I couldn’t bear the idea to show more skin than necessary this morning. The jeans I have on are my comfiest pair, and the hoodie is oversized. Tennis shoes and a ponytail complete the look. My eyes are still puffy from last night, but I couldn’t be bothered to put on makeup to cover them up.

  “Good morning,” Winston rumbles, appearing from the hallway, dressed in his usual suit. “The personal shopper will be here by nine to take your measurements—”

  He stops mid-sentence as his eyes sweep over me, taking in my outfit. I hug my middle, unable to meet his stare. Shrimp chirps from someplace high, but other than that, it’s quiet. Winston approaches, his shoes stopping when they’re inches from mine.

  “Look at me.”

 
I blink back tears, shaking my head.

  His grip is gentle on my jaw as he tilts my head up. “Are you upset with me?”

  “No,” I choke out, my lip wobbling.

  “Why are you upset then?”

  A tear escapes, racing down my cheek as I shrug.

  “Not an answer, darling. Who upset you?” His eyes darken. “Did the Morellis come to your house?”

  “No,” I assure him. “I had a fight with my stepbrother.”

  “About?”

  “You.”

  His eyes narrow. “Elaborate.”

  “I’m not allowed to see you.”

  “I see,” he rumbles, his jaw clenching. “What does Dr. Mannford have to say?”

  “She thinks it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to work for you.” I sniffle and bark out a laugh. “She thinks I can nab me a Constantine.”

  “We’re not that easy to pin down.” He smirks at me. “So, who gives a fuck about what your stepbrother says?”

  I cringe as I remember last night. Winston clutches my shoulder in a comforting move, but I cry out the second his fingers press into the bruise Scout gave to me with his teeth.

  “Take off your hoodie,” Winston growls.

  “That’ll cost you.” Tears skate down my cheeks.

  “I’ll fucking pay it. Take it off.”

  I nod and pull it off my body. He takes it from me, tossing it to the floor. Sweeping my hair to the side, he pulls on my tank top strap so he can see.

  “These are teeth marks, Ash,” Winston utters, his voice low and furious. “Your stepbrother do this to you?”

  “He’s a mean bastard.”

  “You’re not quitting.”

  I chew on my lip. “I have to.”

  “Or he’ll bite you again?” Winston roars. “Fuck that guy. I’ll take care of this shit.”

  Grabbing his tie, I pull him closer. “Please don’t. It’ll make it worse.”

  He wraps his hand around my ponytail and presses his lips to mine, kissing me like he owns me. All the bad stuff melts away as his tongue lashes against mine, dominating me and making unspoken promises. I groan when he palms my ass and squeezes.